Matvei Michkov looks good, but let's give David Reinbacher a chance

The Montreal Canadiens made their decision at the 2023 National Hockey League draft to select Austrian defender David Reinbacher, instead of Russian sniper Matvei Michkov.

Now, Reinbacher is on the injury shelf, while Michkov and his Philadelphia Flyers are reaping the rewards of their sniper. This has prompted many on social media, specifically Montreal media and select fans to question the pick again. Michkov is playing in the NHL scoring goals and producing points.

But Reinbacher is hurt, and some are of the belief that he only has top-four potential, which is a disappointment given that he was selected fifth overall. Meanwhile, Michkov was touted as the top goalscorer in the draft and touted as the second-best offensive player in the 2023 draft class behind Connor Bedard.

Montreal could have had him, and solved a big issue - their lack of goalscoring talent - but instead they chose to draft the big, smooth-skating defenseman. It will be another four to five years minimum before any decision can be made about who was the better pick. But why can't both players be the right pick, Michkov is a great player for Philadelphia and Reinbacher is just what the Habs blueline needed.

Michkov is talented, but give Reinbacher a chance

Reinbacher was drafted to address an organizational need, and yes it's been said that drafting for need is never the smart decision. You always pick the best player available, but what if Montreal believed that Reinbacher is that guy? There is no question about the validity of Michkov's talent, but the Canadiens knew what they were getting with Reinbacher.

Right-shot defenders, who skate like Reinbacher, and stand 6-foot-3 and 200-plus pounds don't grow on trees. The skilled ones are often signed to big contracts and cost an arm and a leg to acquire on the trade market. Kent Hughes took a big swing on Reinbacher, and until he plays a big sample size of games on North American ice, it is awfully hard to gauge what he will become.

Sadly, many have written off Reinbacher and won't give the concept that he could be exactly what Montreal needs at the time of day. Reinbacher needs to play and I expect when he does and he gets comfortable and finds his rhythm, he is going to prove many doubters wrong. I envision him forming a formidable pair with Kaiden Guhle or Lane Hutson in the future.

Kent Hughes has been building the roster like a Rubik's cube, with each twist and turn precise and made with clear intent. Reinbacher fit into his vision and to this point, the players he has picked have looked like great options. It is hard to see a clear picture before a puzzle is complete, the rebuild is like a big puzzle for Hughes and Jeff Gorton, and when it is complete, I expect it will be worth paying attention to.